Hays Travel has retained its ‘good’ Ofsted rating for its training of apprentices.
Inspectors said Hays’ programme is now more challenging after the introduction of its customer excellence programme and its ‘Smile’ initiative which celebrates success to drive improvement.
The “vast majority” of apprentices go on to permanent employment or gain promotion on to level three apprenticeships in travel, team leading or business management, the report stated.
Inspector Andrea Machell said: “Apprentices take pride in their work and demonstrate a good understanding of technical skills, customer care, profitability, and health and safety in the workplace.”
“You have ensured that apprentices continue to receive good education and training,” added Machell. “You provide excellent care, support and guidance, which apprentices value greatly, and which ensures that they make good progress.
“Apprentices improve their personal skills and develop high levels of confidence, which prepares them well to work in the travel industry and in meeting the needs of a diverse range of customers.
“You have maintained the effective safeguarding arrangements since the last inspection…. This ensures that apprentices are safe and feel safe. You, your managers and staff continue to prioritise safeguarding.”
Hays Travel also received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating when it was last inspected in 2012, so was subject to a shorter visit from the education regulator, which meant it could not achieve the highest level of ‘outstanding’ status.
Head of human resources and training, Katie Woods-Ruddick, praised the team.
She said: “I’d like to thank all of our fantastic training team as well as our amazing apprentices and the managers and teams who support their development for helping us to gain this recognition.”
Hays has been set targets to build on its training programme by improving trainees’ English and mathematics, introduce measurable targets and broaden understanding of extremism and radicalisation.